Food distribution services; department responsibilities and functions.

(1)(a) The department shall conduct, supervise, and administer all food distribution services that will be carried on using federal or state funds, or funds from any other source, or food received and distributed from the United States or any of its agencies.

(b) The department shall determine the benefits each applicant or recipient of assistance is entitled to receive under this chapter, provided that each applicant or recipient is a resident of this state and a citizen of the United States or is an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence or otherwise permanently residing in the United States under color of law.

(2) The department shall cooperate fully with the United States Government and its agencies and instrumentalities so that the department may receive the benefit of all federal financial allotments and assistance possible to carry out the purposes of this chapter.

(3) The department may:

(a) Accept any duties with respect to food distribution services as are delegated to it by an agency of the Federal Government or any state, county, or municipal government.

(b) Act as agent of, or contract with, the Federal Government, state government, or any county or municipal government in the administration of food distribution services to secure the benefits of any public assistance that is available from the Federal Government or any of its agencies, and in the distribution of funds received from the Federal Government, state government, or any county or municipal government for food distribution services within the state.

(c) Accept from any person or organization all offers of personal services, food, or other aid or assistance.

(4) This chapter does not limit, abrogate, or abridge the powers and duties of any other state agency.